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R.J. DAVIDSON: V. KERR HABITATS AND ECOLOGICAL VALUES OF HOKIANGA HARBOUR Recommendation 9 Due to the relatively high plant values and the presence of marsh bird species in particular areas, it is recommended that control of predators and should be considered in regional pest control strategies 5.9 Promotion of education, tourism and landscape values of the area Many people consider wetlands to be wastelands of mud, whereas they are actually some of the most productive ecosystems known, and have downstream value for important commercial and recreational fisheries as well as high value for wildlife (Knox 1986). Raising public appreciation and awareness of the Harbour through options such as a walking tracks, with opportunities to view an excellent variety of wildlife at reasonably close range or local education programmes would help improve this attitude. Possibilities exist for interpretation and educational signs to further promote a positive image of the estuary and its values. Recommendation 10 Estuaries are often poorly understood by many New Zealanders. It is recommended that opportunities to promote the Harbours values should be identified and where appropriate implemented. 5.10 Legal protection of further areas There are few areas of land adjacent to the Harbour that are protected and administered by the Department of Conservation. Formal protection through appropriate mechanisms (e.g. purchase, covenant) of land adjacent to the Harbour would improve catchment control and therefore help protect the Harbour values. Recommendation 11 If the opportunity arises purchase or assist with convents on adjacent land with ecological values. Areas of particular value include adjacent wetlands, forested hillsides and intertidal habitats under private ownership. 6.0 Protection mechanisms and recommendations The Hokianga Harbour is the fourth largest harbour in New Zealand. It supports relatively high ecological, scientific and conservation values (Davis and Bellingham 1984, DoC 1990). In New Zealand and overseas, estuaries and harbours represent one of the most impacted marine areas (Knox 1986, Smith 1986, Stoffers et al., 1986, Roper et al., 1988). This is not surprising as these environments often have the concentrations of urban and industrial development. As a result there has been a gradual decline in estuarine and harbour ecological values in New Zealand. It is therefore timely that the Department of Conservation is currently investigating options for protecting the ecological values of the Harbour. 6.1 Legislation for the intertidal and subtidal environment PAGE 22 3/06/2005 DAVIDSON ENVIRONMENTAL LTD 389/2001
R.J. DAVIDSON: V. KERR HABITATS AND ECOLOGICAL VALUES OF HOKIANGA HARBOUR There exists a wide range of legislative mechanisms to protect areas of New Zealand. Many are not appropriate for marine areas as they often do not apply to areas of foreshore and seabed. The following legislation has been applied to areas of New Zealand foreshore and seabed environments. This list is not exhaustive but covers many of the most appropriate or successful mechanisms used to protect marine areas in New Zealand. 6.1.1 Marine Reserves Act 1971 Marine reserves are areas of the seabed, foreshore and waters set aside under the Marine Reserves Act 1971 (Department of Conservation 2000). They are established by an Order in Council made by the Governor General following a statutory process. The objectives are to manage areas for the scientific study of marine life, preserve the natural state, preserve and protect marine life and to allow for public access and entry subject to conditions and restrictions necessary for the preservation and protection of marine life. In New Zealand all existing marine reserves are no-take (Davidson 2001). This means that extraction of animals, plants or minerals are not permitted. Access by the public and passive activities such as diving, swimming and boating are permitted. Examples of marine reserves in New Zealand are: Tonga Island Marine Reserve, Poor Knights Marine Reserve, Pohatu Marine Reserve. 6.1.2 Wildlife Act 1977 A principal purpose of the Wildlife Act 1953 is to protect land or water (foreshore and seabed) that provides a haven for any classes of wildlife or possesses important wildlife habitat not otherwise protected. Wildlife Management Reserve Under the Wildlife Act 1953, a wildlife management reserve can be applied to land including areas of seabed and foreshore. They are established by proclamation by the Governor General subject to such conditions specified in the proclamation. This legislation can restrict and control entry as appropriate, but generally allows for the taking of game. It can also allow for human manipulation for optimum management. The features protected within any wildlife management reserve would be detailed in the proclamation. For example, for the Westhaven Wildlife Management Reserve fishing, gathering of kina, netting of whitebait, hunting of acclimatised waterfowl and movement of stock by adjacent landowners are allowed. The primary purpose of that area was to protect the estuarine habitats from activities such as infilling, aquaculture and fishing methods that damage the benthos. Wildlife Sanctuary or Reserve Under the Wildlife Act 1953, a wildlife sanctuary or reserve can be applied to land including areas of seabed and foreshore that are considered especially susceptible to damage or disturbance by uncontrolled public entry; or outstanding ecosystems, geology of physiological features and/or species available primarily for scientific or other similar purposes. PAGE 23 3/06/2005 DAVIDSON ENVIRONMENTAL LTD 389/2001
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Habitats and Ecological Values of the Hokianga ... - MarineNZ.org.nz

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